NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Friday (11/8)
The NBA is back and we have a full slate of games today. We will highlight a couple of things you should pay attention to in the betting market.
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Friday’s Best NBA Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Golden State Warriors at Cleveland Cavaliers (-4.5) | O/U 231.5 (-108/-112)
The Warriors won a thriller in Boston, and they are looking great at 7-1. They are one of the most balanced teams in the league and are the only ones in the top five in points scored (third) and points allowed (second). They are also one of the best three-point shooting teams, with the second-most threes made (16.1).
It's great when you have one of the best three-point shooters in the league, Buddy Hield, who's second in threes made per game (4.6).
They may have trouble against the last remaining undefeated team. The Cavs are rolling, winning their first nine, but they aren't winning with their defense like in previous years; they are leading the league with 123.2 points per game. You don't do that with just one offensive star; while Donovan Mitchell is their best player, three others are averaging 15 points per game (Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen).
That doesn't mean they have completely abandoned the defense. They are eighth in defensive efficiency (1.069) and 11th in points allowed (110.6).
These teams match up well on offense and defense but also in the pace of play. This game will come down to the final possessions, and Golden State could keep this close
Pick: Warriors +4.5 (-110)
Philadelphia 76ers at Los Angeles Lakers (-8) | O/U 221.5 (-110/-110)
The good news for the 76ers is they got Paul George back. The bad news is that they lost Tyrese Maxey to a hamstring injury.
It's been a brutal start to the season at 1-6, and you're hoping it's due to those stars missing time. They still won't have Joel Embiid along with Maxey, so it will be on George to hold down the offense that is 26th in points scored.
After a great start, winning their first three games, the Lakers have quickly taken a downturn, losing four of their last five games. Offensively, they have been great, especially Anthony Davis, who leads the league at 32.6 points per game, but defensively, they are 26th in points allowed per game (120.6) and 28th in field goal percentage (49.4).
Davis missed the loss against Memphis, but they received some good news, as he's listed as probable for this game.
AD makes all the difference especially when you don’t have Embiid to match up against.